 Grandmaster
Venancio “Anciong” Bacon
Balintawak
As the word Balintawak spreads into the Filipino Martial Arts
circle, the legend of Anciong Bacon's reputation grows into mythological
proportions. The genius of his art speak for itself.
Grandmaster Venancio "Anciong" Bacon was born October
15th, 1912 in Carcar, South of Cebu Province.
Initially from the Labangon Fencing Club under Lorenzo "Tatay
Ensong" Saavedra. Anciong was taught the classical style
of Eskrima. From edged weapons to sticks and to the mano mano
(hand to hand) style of self defense. As Anciong grew proficient
in this art, he wanted a more pragmatic approach and eventually
separated from the group to form his own style called “Kuwentada”.
In that period of time, GM Anciong Bacon gave a name
to his own method of Eskrima“Kuwentada”, while others
chose to call it Balintawak.
Balintawak is the name still in use today because people got
used to it and since the school was located on Balintawak Street
in Cebu. Any students emerging from it were known simply as the
fighters from Balintawak.
Originally based on Espada Y Daga (Sword and Dagger) system,
Anciong noticed how most of his students were overusing the dagger
to stab, slash, check, etc. As a result, he eliminated the dagger,
instead he taught students how to use the stick to block and strike
while using the dagger hand as a live hand. The live hand is now
free to push, pull, slap, punch, clear, redirect, lock, etc, etc,
etc.
Anciong's style of practice is demanding, fast and physical which
frustrates many of his students. Only those who can withstand
his blows and methods managed to stay and glean from his art.
Because of Anciong's tough training, a new student would easily
lose interest and leave. It was Anciong’s students that
started to develop an entry level method such as the basic strikes,
defense, random attacks, and the grouping so that a beginner can
eventually spar with Anciong.
GM Bacon shared with his advanced students through continual
development and execution of the technical style of this system
by one on one sparring. This led to a very high level of reactive
adaptation to various situations of both known and unknown techniques.
Robert recalls Anciong's teachings:
“It was the most beautiful thing, Anciong moved with grace,
agility and quickness. His head, neck, shoulders, torso, hips
and knees seemed to move independently from each other, at other
times his feet were just planted from the ground while his body's
twisting and weight shifting evades all of his student's attacks.”
says Robert.
Sometimes, just before a session with Anciong, he would predict
where his stick will land, left ribs, right leg or right instep.
True to his word, his stick would land and quite often frustrates
or even angers the student, the student tries to retaliate with
no avail.
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